Onboarding Systems that the Transform First Days into Long-Term Success

Empowered change leads to success

Systems Strategy by Katelyn Hyrkas

I help growth-minded organizations design onboarding processes and journeys that get new hires contributing faster, improve retention, and build confident, connected teams.

Katelyn Hyrkas

“Better processes, less chaos - so you can focus on what matters.”

katelyn hyrkas laughing and looking off to the side

Why onboarding matters to me

Onboarding matters. It’s a new hire’s first real experience of how your organization operates — and when it’s done well, it sets the tone for long-term success. My passion lies in designing onboarding systems that make people feel equipped, engaged, and excited from day one.

My path started in education, earning a degree in Spanish and minor Teaching English as a Second/Other Language. That training taught me how to meet people where they are, break down complex ideas, and create learning experiences that stick. While I didn’t end up teaching, those skills fueled my passion for educating and mentoring throughout my career, whether I was in business development, customer success, or guiding a new hire through their first week. I’ve found them transferable no matter the role—and they’re at the heart of how I help business leaders build onboarding processes from scratch.

The Impact of Strong Onboarding

  • Faster ramp-up time — new hires contribute sooner.

  • Higher retention — people want to stay where they feel supported.

  • Better performance — clarity and connection lead to stronger results

A little about me

When I’m not working, you’ll find me planning an adventure with my toddler, or starting a home improvement project. I make space each month to try or learn something new, enjoy discovering new restaurants when we can get a date night in, and prioritize self-care—whether that’s a facial, a massage, or simply carving out time with friends.

katelyn hyrkas laughing looking off to the side

My approach

In every professional role I’ve held, I’ve asked, “How can I leave this better than I found it?” That’s meant building resources where none existed, mapping out the onboarding process from start to finish, and creating documentation that’s part of a repeatable system — so every new hire’s journey is intentional, not accidental.

I don’t believe in overwhelming new hires with a pile of information on day one. Instead, I build in space for check-ins, feedback, and ongoing support. The result? Teams that feel confident from day one, leaders who can trust their hires to deliver, and organizations that see stronger retention.

RECENT TRAVELS

June 2024

Made our annual trip to Maine.

August 2024

Celebrating our anniversary in Silverthorne, CO.

July 2023

Traveled to Ireland with our 8 month old!

WHAT PAST COLLEAGUES SAY...

WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER for onboarding systems support

Whether you’re building your onboarding from scratch or refining what already exists, these options meet you where you are — and get you moving forward fast.

System Audit Coaching on a computer
THE ONBOARDING DIAGNOSTIC
Katelyn looking at a computer regarding a system reboot
THE ONBOARDING JOURNEY DESIGN